Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is opening up about his mounting frustrations as Kansas City fights to stay alive in the playoff race. The Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday dropped the team to 6-7, pushed them out of AFC West contention for the first time in nearly a decade, and reignited questions about whether Kelce is nearing the end of his NFL career. His candid comments on the latest episode of “New Heights,” paired with his behavior after Sunday’s game, have only intensified the speculation.

Travis Kelce Addresses ‘New Heights’ Fans After Costly Drop

Kelce declined interviews after the game and walked off the field still wearing his helmet—a detail that many fans viewed as a sign of 

deeper frustration. In the fourth quarter, he dropped a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes that resulted in a Texans interception, sealing the Chiefs’ loss. On Wednesday’s episode of “New Heights,” which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis spoke openly about how the season has weighed on him.

“You put in all this (expletive)work and hope that it pays off. And right now, it’s just for whatever (expletive) reason, man, it’s little things,” Kelce said.

He added that he has struggled to find the consistency that once came naturally: “I feel like I’ve always had the answers in years past. 

And this year, I just can’t find them. I keep thinking if I show up to work and I put in the work and I fix the issues… it’s all going to come together like it has in years past. And this year is just not, man.”

Despite the disappointment, Kelce emphasized that he is committed to finishing the season strong. “It’s all that I can do. I’m going 

to always show up to work and (expletive) give it my all,” he said.

Retirement Rumors Grow As Patrick Mahomes ‘Cherishes Every Season’

After the Chiefs’ loss, many fans on X speculated that Kelce may be nearing retirement. One user wrote, “Travis not taking off his helmet… mhm I think I’ve seen this film before AND I DIDN’T LIKE THE ENDING,” referencing Jason Kelce’s 2024 exit from the league. 

This is not the first time Kelce has hinted that he’s thinking about the future. Speaking to Stephen A. Smith earlier this year, Travis acknowledged that his mindset changes often. “My opinion on retirement changes every single day,” he said. “I love everything that I’m doing… I’ll reevaluate it like I always do.”

Mahomes, meanwhile, has been candid about savoring every moment with his longtime teammate. “Every season I’ve had with him these last few years, I try to cherish because you never know [if this will be his last season],” Mahomes said after Sunday’s defeat.

“He got himself in great shape this year, and he’s played great football,” Mahomes continued. “He’ll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season, but I know one thing: He’ll give everything he has for the rest of this season.”

The Chiefs now hold just a 15% chance of making the playoffs, per NFL.com, and ESPN puts their odds even lower at 12%. With four games left, Kansas City’s postseason dreams depend on winning out and getting significant outside help.